A cherished holiday tradition is returning to light up the stage at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Hope.
Starting Nov. 21 and until Dec. 28 this year, the Capitol Theatre’s highly-anticipated “Hansel and Gretel: The Sticky and Sweet Panto” will add to holiday festivities in Northumberland, while also making its world premiere here.
This year’s Panto features the theatre’s own artistic director Rob Kempson as writer and director.
Attendees can expect to be “rolling in the aisles” with some hilarious characters and “the silliest of stories” with both “nice” and “naughty” (slightly darker) versions.
Kempson tells us more.
“We’re doing really big things and we’re really proud of it,” adds Kempson. “You know, I think the biggest thing is that it feels exciting that every season sort of builds on the one before – that we’re still in the phase of growth and expansion that feels really invested.”
Reflecting on recent years, the lifelong writer says he’s learned a lot about what it takes to pull off a successful Panto and this unique art form, and he’s excited for this production to come to life in the community.
“We pull all the punches – it’s all local references. You know, we talk about the Ganny, we talk about who’s in charge at town hall … sprinkled through with some contemporary songs and some old songs, so there’s something really truly for every age to experience.”
And that’s not all.
The roles of Hansel and Gretel will be played by Amir Haidar and Michelle Yu, with Jacob MacInnis as the witch. The cast also includes Kory Fulton, Arinea Hermans, Jeremy Lapalme, Yunike Soedarmasto, Nathaneal Judah, and musician Justin Han.
What’s more, Kempson notes there’s a big change in the works this holiday season – for the first time ever, the Panto will run after Christmas.
So if you can’t sneak in before the holidays, you have a new option to catch both the “naughty” and “nice versions.”
Those looking to catch the show are encouraged to get their tickets as they often sell out quickly.
Ticket information and additional details on the theatre’s holiday lineup are available on the Capitol Theatre’s website.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt, with files from Joseph Goden)